BCDA bids out SCTEX operation, maintenance

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO --- The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has called on prospective bidders for the management, operations and maintenance of the country’s longest tollway, the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).
Last year, BCDA held two failed biddings for the O&M contract. It then negotiated a procurement process for the temporary management of the tollroad with the Tollways Management Corp.
First Philippine Holdings Corp., Egis Road Operation and TMC served as interim service provider for six months. Their contract was renewable for another six months.
Meanwhile, SCTEX spokesperson Roberto Gervacio said that the term period for the SCTEX O&M is yet to be determined, but it is likely that it will be good for 10 years.
The O&M contract bidding is scheduled before the end of the year.
Interested private firms to partner with BCDA in running the SCTEX will have until Nov. 6, 2009 to secure the required terms of reference (ToR) after payment of a non-refundable fee of P250,000 per set.
According to the ToR, the winning bidder will bear the operational funding requirements for the management, operations and maintenance of the SCTEX, including periodic maintenance works, special, major, emergency works and all other additional works, and insurance.
Also, the private sector partner will provide management services, toll collection, traffic safety and security management, tollroad maintenance, including greenery and landscaping, and other related services.
Potential operators must have an approved budget for the contract in the amount equal to 12.2 percent of the 10-year projected toll revenues.
After the Nov. 6 deadline to secure a ToR, bidders are expected to attend a pre-bid conference on Nov. 10, 2009, at the BCDA Corporate Center, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.
BCDA financed the construction of the 93.77-kilometer tollroad through a P21-billion loan from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).
The road is a four-lane divided tollway consisting of two parts; the 50.5-km., four-lane Subic-Clark section; and the 43.27-km., four-lane Clark-Tarlac portion.
The Subic-Clark segment was opened last April 28, 2008 while the Clark-Tarlac segment was opened last July 25, 2008.
With the opening of the entire SCTEX, motorists from Manila can now travel straight to Subic Bay via a seamless connection from the NLEX and the Subic Freeport Expressway in Tipo. Likewise, motorists can also exit at SCTEX interchanges in Dinalupihan, Bataan; Mabalalcat, Pampanga; and the municipalities of Concepcion, San Miguel and Tarlac City in Tarlac.
(Albert B. Lacanlale)

CIAC welcomes Hong Kong top tour operators

CLARK FREEPORT --- Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) President and CEO Victor Jose I. Luciano welcomed Top Tour Operators from Hong Kong who arrived October 25 on Zest Air Flight Z2-084 at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA).
The Airbus A-320 aircraft arrived at DMIA at about 8:30 in the evening Sunday with the Chinese delegation consisting of travel agents who explored the tourism destinations in Clark, Subic and Central Luzon
Zest Air last Saturday held their inaugural flight via daily Clark-Hong Kong route at DMIA and is the newest local air carrier to commence full commercial operations at the 2,367 hectares Clark Civil Aviation Complex.
Luciano personally met the Chinese delegation at DMIA sponsored by JIMEI operator of Fontana Leisure Parks and Resort at Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.
“JIMEI through its world-famous Fontana Resort is a major partner of Clark and has contributed in no small measure to the development of Clark as a big tourist destination of the Philippines,” Luciano told during simple welcome ceremonies held at DMIA Terminal.
Luciano said that “JIMEI has employed thousands of Filipinos coming from the cities towns nearby and its continuous development of many facilities is making Clark now a favorite for business meetings and large conferences.”

CEB allots 100,000 seats for P1 seat sale to all destinations

The Philippines’ leading airline Cebu Pacific (CEB) offers a “Go Lite” P1 seat sale to all international and domestic destinations from October 31 to November 2, 2009, or until the allotted 100,000 seats are sold out. Travel period is June 15-September 30, 2010.
CEB flies the most routes and destinations in the Philippines, including Siargao, Laoag, Roxas, Virac (Catanduanes), Naga (Camarines Sur), Busuanga (Palawan), Cauayan (Isabela) and Kalibo (Boracay).
The trademark P1 seat sale also covers all of CEB’s 14 international destinations namely: Kota Kinabalu, Taipei, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Guangzhou, Ho Chi Minh, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Busan, Shanghai, Incheon and Osaka.
CEB flies to Hong Kong and Singapore direct from Manila, Cebu and Clark.
Passengers with check-in luggage will just add P100 upon booking. The P1 fare is exclusive of government taxes and administration fees.
“CEB’s piso seat sale gives even more people an opportunity to fly. It is our early Christmas present, and our way of saying thank you to the overwhelming support from our passengers,” said Candice Iyog, CEB VP for marketing and distribution.
“We also hope to stimulate local tourism, since the seat sale is available from international markets as well. Now, international travelers can come to the Philippines and discover the many exciting destinations we can offer,” she added.
She encouraged everyone to act fast and book the P1 seats online. This promotion is only available via www.cebupacificair.com or through travel agents using the Amadeus global distribution system.
Passengers without credit cards can also book online and pay via Bancnet Online or over-the-counter transactions at Banco de Oro.
Gokongwei-owned CEB has a fleet of 21 Airbus A320 and 8 ATR72-500 aircraft. It is the youngest aircraft fleet in the Philippines and one of the youngest in Asia.